i curse thee, bicycle thief

today was just not my day. don't get me wrong; it wasn't entirely traumatic.

contrary to post-12pm, i had a great morning. In fact, it was so great, i actually felt like it was the start to a fantastic day. i woke up at a reasonable time, managed to finish a small assignment, finished planning mama and papa's trip, spoke to Ira on Skype, laughed about the smallest things and etc.

Not until i left the house, went downstairs and out the gate, only to NOT find my bike where i last parked it. Then i realized i might have parked it at another bicycle bay, 10metres away. So i walked and searched amongst the 10 bikes there and ohh guess what... MINE WASN'T THERE!

I didn't know how and what to feel. It was a rush and everything was so sudden. My bike was there 24 hours ago. i am so pissed, upset, and whatever else one can feel when something so expensive got stolen!

I forked out 40euros (SGD$80) for a bike that was probably 10th-hand. And it's only nice to have a bike to cycle around. Of course, you can walk but walking is not my thing and sometimes, i just need to get from place to place in the shortest time.

Strangely enough, i had thoughts about losing my bike three days ago. This was because everyone had super thick and heavy chain-locks but i had the kind of lock that was enough to be used in Singapore. Obviously, Singaporeans never had a thing for stealing bikes. And someone commented on my lock some days ago, saying "No way, this is not enough!". So i actually thought of buying a lock (for SGD$20, that's why i was hesitant) one of these days.

So a few hours later, i went down to Waterlooplein, the same place i got my first one, and got another bike for 40euros and a thick chain-lock for 10euros (total, 40euros=SGD$100). sigh, i don't believe my hard earned money is channelled towards such purchases. I never thought this would happen to me!

ARRRGGGGH.

*may you get divine retribution for this, biaatch/bastard - whichever you may be!

recuperate

these past few days have been great. i haven't been home much. i had coffee with everyone, i went out since i haven't really done that proper (finally to Paradiso), and caught up with people i have missed for 2 months. i then checked out the 9 little shopping streets - sure, there are stores but not exactly my ideal area to shop.

Today, i'm staying home to finish my assignment and maybe in the evening, go out or something. We'll see!

ohh and because i went for a run on Thursday, my legs are aching so bad right now.

uhuh oh yeah

i'm done with the two tests. the sun is inviting me to be out. as far as i'm concerned, it's time to let my hair down and party. you won't find me home these few days, so don't mind me. (papa, i don't mean it literally so don't worry. hehe)

ok byeeeeeeeee.

SPRING TIME

In my last post, i mentioned something about Sunday being a significant day. Well, due to misleading information, i thought spring officially starts on Sunday but i was wrong.

It's officially SPRING today!!!!

The colorful flowers are blooming, the sun will be shining, the warmth is undeniably comforting, and daylight hours are extending! all slowly but surely.

it's time to hit the books

well, after 3 consecutive weeks of travelling - to Belgium, Prague, and Porto - it's time i hit the books. The rest of this week will be spent sitting quietly at home, reading conscientiously. I've got 2 tests next week based on the readings assigned thus far - and as you can rightly imagine, i am way behind.

But i will not panic. Because the weather is getting so much better as of late, that i am more motivated than i was 2 weeks ago. It is getting warmer and the sun is always shining. It does a whole lot to boost what's left of my positive energy.

At least, after next Tuesday, i am free(er) since i will not have any more tests till June. So Linno, we can do that long over-due shopping spree sometime next week!

Okay people, will update this thing on Sunday because it is going to be a significant day!

O'Porto, Portugal

10th-14th of March. This visit to Porto was with Cassie and Carlos. The city is located in the estuary of the Douro river, in northern Portugal. I can't put a finger on it, but upon exiting the metro station, there was this inimitable scent in the fresh air that instantly tells you "a great time awaits". With the great sunny weather for the 4 days there, it was pleasant to walk through the whole city. As tiring as it is, the sights are worth it (though, personally, I'd take the metro cos walking is simply not my thing).

The historic center of Porto was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The old crumbly buildings, mostly abandoned, added some kind of eccentric charisma to the city. Noteworthy, are the many different tiles that colour the buildings in all sorts of colours - some more intricate, and some more aesthetically pleasing than others. The view from the bridge was so breathtaking, i wish my camera could capture what my eyes were seeing. Unfortunately, you have to make do with these. :) We went for a tour in a winery, did some shopping, consumed the beauty every minute we were out of the house, stayed up till 5am each night, and hung out with some awesome people.

I met a bunch of cool, extremely sociable and warm people, all of whom were on the Erasmus programme in Porto. There were the Spaniards, the Italians, the Romanians and an African from Cape Verde. Amazingly hospitable and joyous people.

Of course, i had to have the authentic Portuguese egg tarts. ohhh their bakeries are to die for. so tempting, it's painful to walk past without buying something.

All in all, i'd say 4 days is sufficient to see what the city has to offer!

Prague, České Republiky

Prague is indeed a beautiful city - colourful buildings with intricate designs, gorgeous sunsets and friendly people who hardly speak English. It is a walkable city, so if you plan to head down to the heart of Europe (though i insist it falls under Eastern Europe), ensure you put on comfortable shoes, else it might not be pleasant!

During the time I was there, the sun was shining so bright for the first 3 days, and on the last day, it was snowing. Albeit beautiful, it did get pretty cold! The public transportation is easy to understand making traveling to and fro the city cheap and convenient. Check out the photos of Charles Bridge at sunset! Breathtaking.